Matthew Henry Commentary Isaiah 46:1-4

"Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth; their idols are upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: the things that ye carried about are made a load, a burden to the weary [beast]. They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity. Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, that have been borne [by me] from their birth, that have been carried from the womb; and even to old age I am he, and even to hoar hairs will I carry [you]; I have made, and I will bear; yea, I will carry, and will deliver." — Isaiah 46:1-4 (ASV)

The pagans insulted the Jews, as if their idols Bel and Nebo were too strong for Jehovah. But their worshippers cannot help them; both the idols and the idolaters have gone into captivity. God's people should not be afraid of either. Those things from which ungodly men expect safety and happiness will be found unable to save them from death and hell.

The true God will never fail His worshippers. The history of the life of every believer is a kind of summary of the history of Israel. Our spiritual life is upheld by His grace, as constantly as our natural life by His providence. And God will never leave them.

The Author will be the Finisher of their well-being, when, through decline, they need help as much as in infancy. This promise to Israel, enfeebled and grown old as a nation, is applicable to every aged follower of Christ. When surrounded by infirmities, and perhaps those around begin to grow weary of you, yet I am He who I have promised to be, He whom you would have me be. I will bear you up; carry you on in your way, and carry you home at last. If we learn to trust in and love Him, we need not be anxious about our remaining days or years; He will still provide for us and watch over us, both as the creatures of His power, and as new-created by His Spirit.